The BSO – which has been based in Borough High Street for nearly a decade – is the largest and oldest school of osteopathy in the UK and offers affordable and accessible osteopathic treatment to the south east London community and beyond, providing approximately 40,000 patient appointments each year.

The school's work includes osteopathy for children, expectant mothers, people with sports injuries and people living with HIV/AIDS, both at Borough High Street and via outreach clinics in local schools, sheltered housing and centres for the homeless.

"At the BSO we have been proud to provide osteopathic care to the local community in Southwark, and beyond, at such an affordable price," say Charles Hunt, BSO principal and chief executive.

"Our new clinic will offer an even better environment for treating our patients, enhancing the quality of experience they have with us."

The majority of patients – many of whom would face long waits for treatment on the NHS – are seen by third and fourth year students on the BSO's degree course (B.Ost), supervised by tutors who are fully qualified osteopaths. Nearly half of these appointments are taken up by patients who qualify for concessionary rates, and a number of patients are seen free of charge.

The new clinical centre will comprise 35 modern, climate-controlled treatment rooms, freeing up space in the Borough High Street building for extra teaching facilities.

The BSO has now launched an appeal to raise the £5.2 million it needs to fit out the new premises.